The Darcha - Padum Trek Package - 12 Days

Max. Altitude: 5100m

Duration: 12 Days

Season: June – Mid October

The Darcha – Padum – trek is especially meant for those adventurer seeker who are willing to explore the untouched natural beauty, scenic gorge, narrow canyon and sheer innocence of the inhabitants living there. The valley itself is so isolated that its gets connected with the rest world for hardly 5-6 months a year so the whole valley itself is akin to a huge living museum. Beside the natural beauty the cultural significance of this particular trek is immense as the trekkers would be introduced with the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh in general and Zanskar in particular and one of the finest example of the heritage being the Phuktal Monastery which rests on a narrow cliff with great architectural skill. Unfortunately, there is a threat of extinction of this trek because a motor able road is being laid connecting Zanskar valley to Himachal in about 3-4 years from now.. So,the adventurer lover should grab the last opportunity to enrich the experience by trekking in this particular route at the earliest. Its better to travel at the right time rather than regretting one whole lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi - Manali

Delhi – Manali (510 kms/ 12- 13 hrs) In the evening catch AC Volvo Coach for Manali. Over night Hotel in Manali. The difference of hot and humid climate in the mainland India is being replaced by cool breeze and fresh air just after arrival to Manali. The scenic beauty is immense and the Rohtang Pass just at the horizon.

Day 02: Manali - Sissu

Manali – Sissu via Rohtang Pass by Jeep ( 4hrs-5hrs) .Leave Manali by morning and then drive to Sissu. On the way we will visit certain tourist sites like Sorang Nalla and the multiple bends in the road will make you enrich a new experience. Overnight in Swiss Cottage Tent which has the distinction of being a totally different from others interims of location which is perfectly peaceful and the Bagi river which flows underneath it adds to its Beauty.The majestic Rohtang pass has the potential attracting a huge tourist influx.

Day 03: Sissu – Chumik Nakpo

Sissu – Chumik Nakpo (4640m) in 6h. Leave Sissu after breakfast and then we will drive towards lahouland spiti belt which is known for growing potatoes and the finest variety of delicious apple is being grown here.Lahoul is one of the largest producer of potato crops in Asia. Enroute visit many towns like Keylong and Jispa which are relatively peaceful being thinly populated.Overnight chumik nakpo camp.

Day 04: Rest day

Rest day base camp Chumi Napo explore around the base camp.This day is meant for acclimatization in high altitude and for adapting on some essential mountain food.

Day 05: Chumi Napo - Shingo La (5090m) - Lakhang (4470m))

Chumi Napo - Shingo La (5090m) - Lakhang (4470m) in 6hr. Start early as today we have to climb the shingo la pass which has a steep ascent just prior to reach the top of the pass.. Prayer flags flapping in the wind mark the Shingo La pass and the surrounding views and glaciers will ease your tiredness thereby giving more energy.Going downhill is relatively easy and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 06: Lakham - Kurgiak (4050m)

Lakhang - Kargiak (4050m) in 6h . A gradual descent along the Kurgiak river and many parts of the trial is laid with mani walls which has certain significance in Buddhism. On the way, we will come across a few Doksas,(Summer Pasture) where yaks are kept in summer time because it’s the grazing field in the summer months for the villager down below.

Day 07: Kargiak - Tangze (3950m)

Kargiak - Tangze (3950m), in 7h The trail is now boarded by meadows of flowers and barley fields. Chortens (Stupa) are aligned all the way and it highlight the religious fervour of the Zanskaris.Numerous number of tiny village are enroute.

Day 08: Phuktal Gonpa. (3700m)

Phuktal Gonpa. (3700m), in 2h We visit Phuktal monastery (3850m), perched on the side of an impressive cliff.The view of the monastery for multi angle gives you the impression of how rich the architectural skill of our past ancestor. You will never get fatigue by visiting the Gompa and the monks living there in tiny quarter. Over night Phuktal monastery.

Day 09: Phuktal – Hanmu village

Phuktal – Hanmu village Trek and drive to padum (3650m) in 7h The trail goes along the right side of Tserap river via Cha village till we reach Hanmu village. We will be picked up by Taxi to padum and on the way we visit Mune monastery& Barden Monastery. Over night Padum hotel.

We will come across number of tiny village of zanskar situated on Stod river which originates from Drang Drung Glacier. From the penze la pass the view of the Drang Drung Glacier is spectacular.Overnight Hotel in Kargil.

Day 11: Kargil - Leh

Kargil - Leh – by car Drive from Kargil to Leh, 240 Km 6/7 h visit Lamayuru monastery enroute. Many tourists site on the way like confluence of Zanskar river and Indus, Maitriya Buddha statue at Mulbekh. Overnight at Leh hotel.

Day 12: Leh – Delhi

Leh – Delhi by air. After breakfast transfer to Leh airport to catch flight for Delhi.

Tour Cost

Minimum: 4 Pax Per Person - Rs 40000

5 to 10 Pax Per person - Rs 35000

Maximum: 11 to 20 Pax per person Rs 32000

Price Included For:

A/c VOLVO.

All road Transport by private Vehicles.

The best available hotel accommodation in Manali.

Sissu Swiss cottage Tents.

Accommodation Padum.

Accommodation Kargil.

Accommodation Leh.

All camping facilities and meals during the Trekking & cultural tours.